Barnett, Ellen M.

Ellen Marie (Bradley) Barnett, 75, of Attleboro, formerly of Canton, passed away peacefully at home on May 31, 2023 surrounded by family. Ellen courageously fought a 22-year battle with Parkinson’s disease.

Ellen was born on February 19, 1948 in Bronx, NY, the daughter of the late William Bradley and Dorothy Morrison.

Ellen’s family briefly lived in South Boston before settling in Canton, where Ellen graduated from Canton High School in 1965.

Ellen and Len met at work in 1976 when they both worked for CGR Medical in Needham. Len was told that Ellen had the same birthday as he (same day, same year). After wishing each other a happy birthday they decided to go out and celebrate, which started a 47-year life together after marrying on August 14, 1976.

During their lives together they renovated two homes, where she learned how to build cabinets, wallpaper and paint. She also learned how to do masonry after she and Len took a course. She enjoyed antique shopping, gardening and walking the Blue Hills.

Ellen had a deep love for animals and would often tell stories of the beloved pets that she had during her life; she raised Yorkshire Terriers for a time before having children. When her kids entered school, Ellen, not one to be idle, worked as a lunch lady for the Canton Public Schools. She found her true calling when she began working as an animal control officer in 1995. She worked for the Canton Animal Control Department for 14 years, 10 of which as the head animal control officer. During her time there she was instrumental in the renovation of the old dog pound into a beautiful animal shelter, where she found forever homes for countless dogs, cats, and even one iguana. She reluctantly retired in 2007 after an accident at the shelter left her with a broken hip.

In 2001 Ellen was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease. She did not let this stop her from living life to the fullest, and she continued to be a phenomenal mother and wife. She traveled around Europe with Len and their dear friends Kathy and Charlie. Together they saw France twice, Italy, England, the Czech Republic, Ireland and Quebec City.

She and her family also traveled around the country to places such as the Pacific Northwest, California, Florida, North Carolina and New York, with a final big trip to the Grand Canyon.

Ellen also participated in activities designed to stave off the effects of Parkinson’s, such as Rock Steady Boxing and Peddling for Parkinson’s spinning classes. She also participated in multiple studies on Parkinson’s in the hopes that it would help others who were suffering.

She is survived by her husband, Leonard Barnett, son Adam Barnett and daughter Jenna Barnett, all of Attleboro, as well as her brother David Bradley of Norton, brother Paul Bradley of Canton, and sister Kathy Shimkus of Deland, FL. Also survived by many in-laws, nieces, nephews and her wonderful friends.

A funeral service was held Monday at the Dockray & Thomas Funeral Home, 455 Washington Street. Burial Canton Corner Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to the Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s research at give.michaeljfox.org.

Short URL: https://www.thecantoncitizen.com/?p=113476

Posted by Canton Citizen on Jun 8 2023. Filed under Obituaries. Both comments and pings are currently closed.